Join us live online on September 22 for the launch of a new report about how we can sustainably finance community connectivity providers — community networks, municipal networks and social enterprises — to advance digital equity across the world. Register now.

When: Thursday 22 September 2022 at 14:00 UTC (15:00 BST / 10:00 EDT / 07:00 PDT)
Where: On Zoom | Register Now
Who:

• Jochai Ben-Avie (Connect Humanity)
• Ben Matranga (Connectivity Capital)
• Jane Coffin (Connect Humanity)
• Bruce Patterson (EntryPoint Networks)
• Carlos Rey-Moreno (Association for Progressive Communications)
• Shaun Pather (Zenzeleni)
• Anoop Nagendra (Connectivity Capital)
• Chris Conder MBE (B4RN)
• Juan Peirano (Internet Society

We are pleased to invite you to the launch of the “Financing mechanisms for locally-owned internet infrastructure” report, a new study that documents and analyzes the operating models and financing mechanisms that can enable community connectivity providers to expand internet access and build digital equity. 

Across the world, a growing number of community networks, municipal networks and social enterprises are successfully connecting those who have historically been unserved or underserved, especially in the areas where traditional for-profit companies choose not to invest. While these community connectivity providers are building solutions to the persistent digital divide, almost all of them struggle to access capital.

This publication provides an overview of various network models while giving a deep look at how they can be financed sustainably to provide reliable, affordable internet to more communities.

The online launch will bring together experts and network builders to discuss the report and strategies that can fund community-centred internet networks. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about successful case studies and discuss recommendations for policymakers, funders and network builders.

The “Financing mechanisms for locally-owned internet infrastructure” report comes from a partnership between Association for Progressive Communications, Connect Humanity, Connectivity Capital, and the Internet Society.

Register now to join the discussion on September 22.